Veteran Actor “Chief Kanran” Passes Away at Home

Veteran actor Kehinde Segun Akinremi, affectionately known as Chief Kanran, has passed away. The celebrated thespian was found lifeless in his room in the early hours of Friday, according to his daughter, Wunmi. She discovered him unresponsive when she went to check on him in the morning.

Chief Kanran, who was born in Keesi, Ogun State, launched his acting career professionally in 1975. After studying at the Centre for Cultural Studies (University of Lagos) and later earning a diploma in directing, acting, and film production from Obafemi Awolowo University, he transitioned from theatre to television and eventually Nollywood.

On stage, he notably portrayed Kurunmi in the eponymous play by Prof. Ola Rotimi and appeared in Langbodo —Nigeria’s dramatic entry at FESTAC ’77.

His television breakthrough came with roles like Alaafin Kanran in the Lagos Television drama shown on Nigeria’s independence anniversary, October 1, 1988. He later starred in Mirror in the Sun, Images, and won audiences over as General Philips in the soap Megafortune. Over the decades, he built an impressive filmography including Vigilante, Ose-Sango, Eri Okan, Itunnu, Eewo, Orire, Ofa Oro, Ajaka Oko, Great Bird of Eternity, Shattered Bridge, Oba Oluaiye, Bibi Ire, Ilu Ile, and I50 Million.

In 2017, Chief Kanran celebrated his 50th anniversary in the arts with a week-long event featuring stage plays, workshops, and an unveiling of his dream for an arts city—an idea he hoped would support and preserve Nigerian culture and theatre.

Throughout his career, he was a vocal advocate for building community theatres across Nigeria to promote youth employment, cultural education, and development.

In recent years, he faced personal challenges; his office and film equipment were destroyed in multiple fires, leaving him financially strained and his dream of creating a mega arts city at Ado Awaye unrealized.

Chief Kanran’s death marks the end of a rich and respected legacy in Nigerian theatre and film. His contributions helped preserve Yoruba storytelling and inspired generations of actors. May his soul rest in peace.